City, nonprofit launch health care websites

Updated 6:29 am, Tuesday, October 1, 2013

SAN ANTONIO – San Antonio city officials and the area's largest nonprofit health plan have launched separate websites to help residents understand the federally run health insurance marketplace opening Tuesday. The Affordable Care Act requires most people to have health insurance coverage in 2014.

It is geared toward small-business employees and owners, freelancers, independent workers and unemployed residents without health insurance. It is intended to help those seeking information about the insurance marketplace.

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The page offers a basic outline about the Affordable Care Act, explains what type of medical services must be covered by health insurance plans and describes who is eligible for reduced premiums through the marketplace.

Community First Health Plans, San Antonio's largest nonprofit health insurance provider, also has launched a website, www.CommunityFirstHealth.org, to help consumers understand the Affordable Care Act and the new marketplace.

“We wanted this site to help provide clarity as there are many questions about who is required to get health insurance, which plans make sense for your family and how much they will cost,” said Community First Health Plans CEO Greg Gieseman.

Community First Health also has reached an agreement with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to offer qualified health plans to consumers through the federally facilitated marketplace.

The nonprofit will offer gold, silver and bronze health plans to South Texas residents. The plan options will have varying premiums depending on a person's individual requirements.